Position paper of the Berlin-Brandenburg Surgical Society-On the future of surgical further training

Abstract

Surgical further training faces the challenging task of reconciling technological advancements and patient safety, particularly in the context of the planned hospital reform. Additionally, the generation shift and evolving expectations of GenerationsY andZ in the workplace present further challenges. In response to these demands, the Berlin-Brandenburg Surgical Society (Berlin-Brandenburgische Chirurgische Gesellschaft, BCG) initiated astructured discussion and developed aposition paper during the Neuhardenberg talks (Neuhardenberger Gespräche). Within the framework of the Neuhardenberg talks, four sessions with keynote presentations and discussions took place. Based on the main discussion points, theses and positions were subsequently formulated and digitally voted on. The results reveal aclear consensus favoring flexible working hours models, earlier specialization options and the integration of external rotations in surgical further training. Regarding talent acquisition and early recruitment of residents, there was aclear consensus supporting the promotion of employee engagement and structured early recruitment of students. There was unanimous agreement on the introduction of training associations as an effective means to ensure high-quality surgical further training. One of the central points in the discussions was that high-quality surgical further training will only be achievable within training associations, especially given the impending hospital reform. The BCG plans to develop amodular further training association to make surgical further training in Berlin/Brandenburg fit for the future.